I was under the impression that irc was simply a chat channel - which I usually avoid. I was NOT aware that there might be information there. I will look around and see if I can figure out how to get on.

The best information is still found here on the forum. Some part of the reason that the forum's better is that to get any info on irc, someone has to be awake and active, and know the answer themselves.

That being said, people try there anyway because that's what they're used to. What they see first is a topic that lists several 7.0 releases, or "spins", as being "the latest". Not good.